[fabsroman]

Lilred,

I will have to agree with you that trust is a big issue in dogs. If the dog trusts you, it will usually do what you want it to. I slept with Nitro on the couch for the first several weeks that I had him and I usually left him on my chest. He was small enough back then to do it. Now, I would suffocate.

Usually, when I correct Nitro, he understands why he is being corrected and I usually give him a couple of chances to respond to the command which I know he knows.

I have never had a dog that was gun shy and I have trained 3 so far. I didn't even have to get them used to the gun. My dogs have also always followed me around the house, even when other people are in the house. I guess that would make me the alpha/leader of the pack.

As I am typing this, Nitro is laying on his dog bed right next to my desk. He also sleeps on my side of the bed and he lays down on my side of the couch. Now, when we are eating that is a completely different story because he will sit by whoever's plate still has food in it.